Support pad for improving performance of a swing for a golf club

ABSTRACT

A golf club assembly includes a golf club and a cover for the golf club handle. The cover includes a panel having a first plurality of apertures on a first edge of the panel and a second plurality of apertures on a second edge of the panel. A fastener is on a top edge of the panel. Lacing extends through the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures. The cover has a first mode in which the lacing extends from one of the first plurality of apertures to the second plurality of apertures to form the panel into a cylinder shape. The cylindrical shape is installed over a grip portion of the golf club. The cover has a second mode in which the lacing does not extend through the plurality of apertures and the cover defines a lay flat orientation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a pad for improving performance of a swing for a golf club (e.g., a golf putter).

BACKGROUND

The game of golf is perhaps the most demanding of all modern sports in the sense of requiring extreme accuracy. It is only by realizing that a ball having a diameter of 1 inches must be directed over an irregular path which may be 500 yards or more toward a 5-inch diameter hole in the ground that one can appreciate the magnitude of the accuracy required. The necessary accuracy has been developed by a constant improvement in the techniques for holding the golf club, addressing the ball, and stroking the ball. Each of the individual components of the total technique of stroking the ball is absolutely essential to the end result of propelling the ball on a desired trajectory with a high degree of accuracy and consistency.

One of these essential components of the total technique of stroking the ball is the manner in which the club is held. All good golfers know that it is important to hold the hands properly. After all, they are the only parts of the body that touch the club. While all great teachers and players agree that a proper hold is indispensable to better golf, few agree exactly what the proper hold should be. Some players, for example, interlock the little finger of the right hand with the index finger of the left. Others play the left thumb outside the right hand. Some players curl the left thumb high on the shaft whereas others ride the thumb low on the shaft. Although there are numerous modifications, most players use the overlapping method of holding the club. This grip emphasizes placing the club under the authority of the fingers without sacrificing the needed power of the hands.

While such a grip has permitted substantial control of the golf club, the hold is basically an unnatural one and the cause of many problems to all but the most proficient golfers. The pressure applied by the user's hands onto the club has a significant impact on the swing motion. As the user fatigues, or as the user changes the swing strength based on the drive distance required, the grip force to the golf club changes. Therefore, a manner of addressing the inconsistency in grip pressure is desirable.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to briefly introduce concepts that are further described in the following detailed descriptions. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

According to one or more embodiments, a golf club assembly includes a golf club and a cover for the golf club handle. The cover includes a panel having a first plurality of apertures on a first edge of the panel and a second plurality of apertures on a second edge of the panel. A fastener is on a top edge of the panel. Lacing extends through the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures. The cover has a first mode in which the lacing extends from one of the first plurality of apertures to the second plurality of apertures to form the panel into a cylinder shape. The cylindrical shape is installed over a grip portion of the golf club. The cover has a second mode in which the lacing does not extend through the plurality of apertures and the cover defines a lay flat orientation.

According to one or more embodiments, the first plurality of apertures are equally spaced-apart.

According to one or more embodiments, the second plurality of apertures are equally spaced-apart.

According to one or more embodiments, the lacing is an elastic cordage.

According to one or more embodiments, the elastic cordage defines a pull lock to lock a length of the elastic cordage.

According to one or more embodiments, the fastener is a zipper assembly that encircles an opening formed when the cover is in the second mode to enclose the cover.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a golf club cover, the cover defining a panel that includes a first side edge comprising a first plurality of apertures; an opposed second side edge comprising a second plurality of apertures; a top edge and an opposed bottom edge, wherein the top edge comprises a fastener; lacing extending through the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures. The cover has a first mode in which the lacing extends from one of the first plurality of apertures to the second plurality of apertures to form the panel into a cylindrical shape. The cover has a second mode in which the lacing does not extend through the plurality of apertures and the cover defines a lay flat orientation.

In some embodiments, each of the first plurality of apertures are equally spaced apart.

In some embodiments, each of the second plurality of apertures are equally spaced apart.

In some embodiments, the lacing comprises an elastic cordage.

In some embodiments, the elastic cordage defines a pull lock to lock a length of the elastic cordage.

In some embodiments, the fastener comprises a zipper assembly that encircles an opening formed when the cover is in the second mode to enclose the cover.

In some embodiments, the panel is formed of a foam material.

In some embodiments, the cover comprises a thickness of about 0.01-1 inch.

In some embodiments, the cover comprises a durometer rate of 40-130 Shore A.

In some embodiments, the first plurality of apertures, second plurality of apertures, or both comprises about 3-10 apertures.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a golf club assembly comprising a golf club. The assembly further includes a cover for the golf club handle, the cover comprising a panel defined by a first plurality of apertures on a first edge of the panel; a second plurality of apertures on a second edge of the panel; a fastener on a top edge of the panel; lacing extending through the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures. The cover has a first mode in which the lacing extends from one of the first plurality of apertures to the second plurality of apertures to form the panel into a cylindrical shape, wherein the cylindrical shape is installed over a grip portion of the golf club. The cover has a second mode in which the lacing does not extend through the plurality of apertures and the cover defines a lay flat orientation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrate particular exemplary embodiments and features as briefly described below. The summary and detailed descriptions, however, are not limited to only those embodiments and features explicitly illustrated.

FIG. 1 illustrates a golf club assembly according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a golf club assembly according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a golf club assembly according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a cover for a golf club assembly according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 b is a fragmentary view of a cover comprising an aperture support in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cover thickness in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate alignment and non-alignment of edge apertures in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

These descriptions are present particular embodiments with sufficient details to provide an understanding of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters.

Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. The drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. However, for each drawing, at least one embodiment is made according to the apparent relative scale of the drawing.

Unless described or implied as exclusive alternatives, features throughout the drawings at

descriptions should be taken as cumulative, such that features expressly associated with some particular embodiments can be combined with other embodiments.

The drawings illustrate various embodiments of golf club assembly 10. The golf club assembly can include golf club 12, which can be any suitably configured golf club, including a driver, wedge, putter, or the like.

Cover 14 is provided for the handle of the golf club. The cover is configured to encircle and/or fit around the factory grip of golf club 12. The term “factory grip” refers to the grip that is attached to club 12 when it is purchased from the manufacturer. In some embodiments, the cover fits over the full length and width of the factory grip of the golf club such that all or a portion of the factory grip is not visible. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , cover 14 includes panel 16 constructed

a suitable thickness and durometer rating to provide a gripping surface around the periphery of the factory grip. In this manner, the thickness of panel 16 increases the outer diameter of the cover that the user grips onto. Accordingly, the thin, relatively non-compliant factory grip is replaced with a grip with increased thickness more comfortably accommodate the grip of a user.

Panel 16 can have thickness 61 of about 0.01-1 inch in some embodiments. For example, the panel can have thickness of at least about (or no more than about) 0.01, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1 inch. The term “thickness” refers to a dimension of the panel perpendicular to a supporting substrate (e.g., the floor when the panel is laid flat as shown in FIG. 4 ).

The term “durometer rating” refers to a measurement of the hardness of a material. For example, in some embodiments, panel 16 can have a durometer rating of 40 Shore A to about 130 Shore A, in accordance with ASTM D2240-00 (incorporated herein by reference). However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and the durometer rating can be outside the range given herein.

Panel 16 includes first edge 40 and opposed second edge 41. The first and second edges each include a plurality of apertures 20, 22. In some embodiments, edges 40, 41 can have about 3-10 apertures or more. The number of apertures on edges 40, 41 can be the same or differ. In some embodiments, apertures 20, 22 are aligned (e.g., horizontally aligned), as shown by dotted line A of FIG. 6 a . However, the presently disclosed subject matter also includes embodiments, wherein at least one aperture is not aligned relative to the opposing aperture, as shown by dotted line B in FIG. 6 b . Thus, the apertures can be offset from the opposed apertures.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the apertures 20 (or 22) can be equally spaced-apart (e.g., at distance 62 of about 0.25-4 inches apart), although the spacing can be altered if desired. In some embodiments, the apertures can include support 45, such as a reinforcing ring or other similar element.

In some embodiments, top edge 51 of panel 16 includes fastener 24 that attaches the panel to golf club 12 (e.g., over or around the factor grip). The fastener can encircle flap 26 (e.g., a circular flap of material). In some embodiments, fastener 24 can be a zipper assembly, such that one portion of the zipper is on a top edge of the panel and a second portion of the zipper is on flap 26. The flap of material can form the top of the cover.

Lacing 30 extends through apertures 20 and 22. The lacing can be configured in any pattern or arrangement, such as (but not limited to) a crisscross pattern. Cover 14 has a first mode in which lacing 30 extends from one of the first plurality of apertures 20 to the second plurality of apertures 22 to form the panel into a cylinder shape. The cylindrical shape is installed over a grip portion of the golf club 12. The cover can also include a second mode in which the lacing does not extend through the plurality of apertures and the cover defines a lay flat orientation, such as is illustrated in FIG. 4 .

Lacing 30 can be constructed from any desired material, such as (but not limited to) leather, plastic, metal wires, cloth, cotton, jute, hemp, nylon, polyester, or combinations thereof constructed as strings, cords, etc.

In use, lacing 30 is laced through apertures 20, 22. Pull lock 28 can find each end of the lacing to lock a length and tautness of the lacing. The cover can be formed into a cylindrical shape before being installed on club 12 or it can be rolled onto the club and then laced into the cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the factory grip is removed prior to installing cover 14. In other embodiments, the cover installed over the factory grip.

To decrease the circumference of the cylindrical shape of cover 14, the laces can be tightly pulled together and locked with the pull lock. It should be appreciated that any element capable of securing the ends of the laces together can be used. The length of laces 30 can be lengthened to increase the circumference of the cover. This advantageously also impacts the tension of the cover that the user feels when gripping club assembly 10.

The increased circumference of the grip surface allows a user to have a consistent grip whether they are using a putter, driver, or any other club, and regardless of drive distance and force applied.

Cover 14 can be formed from any desired material, such as (but not limited to) air cellular material, cushioning, foam, rubber, plastic, fabric, or combinations thereof.

The disclosed cover advantageously allows a user to improve their golf grip. Because the cover includes additional padding (because it configured over the factory grip), it is more cushioned and/or pliable, allowing a user to more accurately grip the golf club and retain the proper grip during the swing. The cover also provides a larger circumference compared to standard grips which has been found to make proper gripping easier to maintain. Thus, the user can use cover 14 by positioning it around or securing it over a standard or conventional golf club grip. The user can then adopt their typical grip on the golf club (e.g., during putting). Proper grip form is more easily maintained which results in increased performance of the golf swing.

Particular embodiments and features have been described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and features may arise or modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the spirit of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf club cover, the cover defining: a panel that includes: a first side edge comprising a first plurality of apertures; an opposed second side edge comprising a second plurality of apertures; a top edge and an opposed bottom edge, wherein the top edge comprises a fastener, lacing extending through the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures; wherein the cover has a first mode in which the lacing extends from one of the first plurality of apertures to the second plurality of apertures to form the panel into a cylindrical shape, wherein the cover has a second mode in which the lacing does not extend through the plurality of apertures and the cover defines a lay flat orientation.
 2. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the each of the first plurality of apertures are equally spaced apart.
 3. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the each of the second plurality of apertures are equally spaced apart.
 4. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the lacing comprises an elastic cordage.
 5. The cover according to claim 4, wherein the elastic cordage defines a pull lock to lock a length of the elastic cordage.
 6. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a zipper assembly that encircles an opening formed when the cover is in the second mode to enclose the cover.
 7. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the panel is formed of a foam material.
 8. The cover according to claim 1, comprising a thickness of about 0.01-1 inch.
 9. The cover according to claim 1, comprising a durometer rate of 40-130 Shore A.
 10. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the first plurality of apertures, second plurality of apertures, or both comprises about 3-10 apertures.
 11. A golf club assembly comprising: a golf club; and a cover for the golf club handle, the cover comprising: a panel defined by a first plurality of apertures on a first edge of the panel; a second plurality of apertures on a second edge of the panel; a fastener on a top edge of the panel; lacing extending through the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures, wherein the cover has a first mode in which the lacing extends from one of the first plurality of apertures to the second plurality of apertures to form the panel into a cylindrical shape, wherein the cylindrical shape is installed over a grip portion of the golf club, wherein the cover has a second mode in which the lacing does not extend through the plurality of apertures and the cover defines a lay flat orientation.
 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the each of the first plurality of apertures are equally spaced apart.
 13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the each of the second plurality of apertures are equally spaced apart.
 14. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the lacing comprises an elastic cordage.
 15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the elastic cordage defines a pull lock to lock a length of the elastic cordage.
 16. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the fastener comprises a zipper assembly that encircles an opening formed when the cover is in the second mode to enclose the cover.
 17. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the panel is formed of a foam material.
 18. The assembly of claim 11, comprising a thickness of about 0.01-1 inch.
 19. The assembly of claim 11, comprising a durometer rate of 40-130 Shore A.
 20. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of apertures, second plurality of apertures, or both comprises about 3-10 apertures. 